[Edaily Starin Gim Ga Yeong Reporter] The MBC Plus drama “My Idol, My Debut” is gaining popularity after reaching No. 1 on the Japanese online video service (OTT) Lemino.

Immediately after its premiere on the 16th, the drama “My Idol, My Debut” claimed the No. 1 spot in real time in the K-Drama and Asian Drama category on Lemino, one of Japan’s leading OTT platforms.
Going beyond a simple music drama, “My Idol, My Debut” established an “integrated IP model” by having the idol group featured in the series make a real-life K-pop debut. Global fans who watched the trainees’ intense journey in the drama naturally transitioned into the fanbase of the real-life artists, helping the show secure a dedicated fan base.
The Y2K retro vibe showcased by the in-show girl group IRION also resonated with global trends, further boosting interest. The appearance of Q (Ji Chang-min) from THE BOYZ—who boasts a solid global core fanbase—drove early viewership, while IRION’s Japanese member Karin (played by Kaede) added a sense of local connection, creating a synergy that boosted both the drama’s popularity and the buzz surrounding its music.
IRION went beyond their roles as a fictional girl group in the drama to successfully stage their first real-life debut performance, expanding the show’s universe onto the real stage. The members shared their thoughts, saying, “We’re truly happy to share our first stage with you all,” and had a meaningful first encounter with their fans. Fan-cam videos and short-form content released immediately after the performance quickly went viral online, further fueling interest in the drama.
The production team of *My Favorite Debut* designed a “reality marketing” strategy even before the show aired to enhance viewer immersion. Starting with the early release of profiles on the online encyclopedia “Namuwiki,” the marketing campaign—which included social media content, an original YouTube variety show, and a surprise appearance at the COEX Mega Stage on the day of their music release—provided the public with an environment where they could “fangirl” over the fictional characters just as they would for real idols.
The production team stated, “It seems that our attempt to organically intertwine the idols’ debut narrative within the drama with their actual activities in the K-pop market has been received as a fresh concept not only domestically but also by Japanese viewers. We sincerely thank you for the explosive love and support we’ve received from Japan.” They added, “As the time-travel mystery—the core of the drama—unfolds in earnest, Irion’s real-life activities will naturally intertwine with the story, presenting an even richer narrative. Please continue to follow this new experiment that bridges the gap between drama and reality until the very end.”
The MBC Plus drama *My Favorite Debut* is a time-travel K-pop coming-of-age drama that depicts the journey of a die-hard fan who travels back eight years to prevent a tragic accident and changes her destiny by becoming an idol trainee. It airs simultaneously every Thursday at 11:30 p.m. on MBC Drama Net and Japan’s Remino.